Celebrating clean water in Madagascar

WaterAid/Ernest Randriarimalala

Lovasoa lies at the end of a single red road, used only by carts, and is so isolated that its residents have to walk for ten miles to buy basic household items, such as sugar, oil or soap, or to reach the nearest health centre.

In such a remote community the arrival of clean water was always going to be a cause for huge celebrations. And in Lovasoa, the community prepared for their big moment by decorating their new water points and planting palm trees, while children gathered around excitedly.

Watch the celebrations as clean water arrived in Lovasoa:

‘The best day of my life here’

Lovasoa is separated into four hamlets – and today, thanks to your incredible support, they all have access to clean water.

Working with our local partner, Manorintsoa, we’ve installed a gravity-fed system that will reach 390 people in the community, giving everyone there the chance of a happier, healthier future.

“Today is the best day of my life here!” 17-year-old Tahiry told us.

“It’s unbelievable,” Meltine, 28, agreed. “A few hours ago I was on my way back home after fetching dirty water from far away and now I’m turning on a tap. Life can be changed in one day!”

A magic moment

WaterAid/Ernest Randriarimalala

As the new water points were connected, a group of local musicians began to play a well-known Malagasy song, ‘Let’s welcome with joy,’ as residents cheered, clapped and danced.

In some hamlets the eldest member of the community collected water first – in others, this honour fell to the best dancer.

Afterwards, women and children went to the water point for the first time, signalling an end to the long walk up the hill to collect dirty water with buckets and jerry cans.

“I feel so privileged and delighted to capture a magic moment like this because it means we’re starting to change people’s lives,” Ernest, our Voices from the Field officer in Madagascar, said.

“This is the reason people like you are so important to WaterAid and communities like this one, thousands of miles away."

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